BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | April 22nd, 2025 — In an exclusive statement to Dzair Tube, veterinary inspector Sihem Omid, stationed at the Port of Algiers, underscored the critical role of veterinary inspection in safeguarding the health and export-readiness of livestock. Speaking at the forefront of a bustling port preparing for a major Eid-related livestock operation, Omid emphasized the rigorous health protocols in place to ensure animals are fit for transport, both for local distribution and international export.
“Each animal is subject to individual health screening,” said Omid. “This is not just a legal formality; it’s a crucial safeguard to protect public health and ensure the animals’ well-being throughout their journey.”
Omid detailed the meticulous inspection process, explaining that every head of livestock is examined for physical condition, signs of disease, stress indicators, and weight thresholds before receiving veterinary clearance. “No animal can be cleared for departure without passing these checks and receiving a health certificate,” she added.
The process, she noted, is deeply intertwined with international health standards and destination country requirements. Documentation and traceability are meticulously maintained to prevent any risk of biological contamination.
“Our mission is to uphold veterinary integrity at every step,” Omid stressed. “It’s a matter of national responsibility and international credibility.”
Veterinary Vigilance Amid Massive Import Operation
The urgency and precision of these inspections come as Algeria officially launches a national-scale livestock import campaign ahead of Eid El-Adha. In a major development, the first vessel carrying 15,000 Romanian sheep docked at the Port of Algiers overnight from Saturday to Sunday, marking the beginning of what authorities describe as a strategically coordinated operation guided directly by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
According to Hamid Bensaad, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, this delivery constitutes the first phase of a wider operation intended to import one million sheep across April and May, via nine designated national ports. These include Oran, Jijel, Annaba, and Skikda, ensuring a balanced regional distribution.
“This is a highly organized initiative reflecting the President’s commitment to food security and equitable access for all Algerians,” Bensaad told reporters at the port. “Logistical, veterinary, and technical mechanisms are in full deployment to secure the operation’s success.”
The next vessel, carrying 12,000 additional sheep, is set to arrive later today, with three more shipments already scheduled for Algiers before the operation extends to other coastal ports. Veterinary and sanitary checkpoints have been erected at all entry points to prevent the risk of disease and to maintain consumer confidence in livestock quality.
Distribution Phase and Interministerial Coordination
Once inspected and cleared, the sheep will be dispatched to various wilayas under the strict supervision of local governors (walis) and specialized monitoring commissions tasked with overseeing transportation, pricing, and distribution logistics. This phase is expected to ensure transparency, price control, and market stabilization during a high-demand period.
Meanwhile, Djamel Eddine Abdelghani Dridi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Transport, emphasized the importance of interministerial synergy in achieving this national priority:
“The seamless coordination between the Ministries of Agriculture, Transport, and the Interior has laid a solid foundation for a successful livestock supply chain.”
This robust livestock strategy is widely seen as a proactive and socially responsible measure, reinforcing Algeria’s national food security, supporting consumer purchasing power, and ensuring a dignified celebration of Eid El-Adha across all social strata.
